Asthma Inhalers And Gerd

[Sparklingsunshine]

I know heartburn, indigestion, Gerd and silent reflux are common hypo syptoms but I thought I would add they can also be a side effect of certain asthma inhalers, particularly steroid ones.

The NHS is trying to change as many asthma sufferers on inhalers to the dry powder inhalers (DPI) instead of the compressed air CFC ones, this is touted as concern for the environment but me being the cynic I am wonders if cost isnt the overriding issue. I was changed over in December following a phone call with GP.

I have mild to moderate asthma so take 2 puffs twice a day of my longterm preventer and reliever and then use my blue one as needed. My asthma and other symptoms have worsened this year, I did post recently asking about silent reflux. As I've been getting more acid and heartburn which has never been an issue for me except during pregnancy.

I've now thrown in the towel with the Fobumix inhaler, its just not working out, I've contacted my surgery asking to go back on my old regime or at least if they can prescribe an alternative.

I noticed that one of the common side effects of these inhalers is digestive issues including heartburn and acid reflux. So anyone who has hypo and asthma dont assume its always down to the hypo. The bronchodilators which relax the airways can relax other things as well, including the valves in the stomach, hence the side effect of acid regurgitation.

Just thought I would put that out there as its certainly not something I twigged until I did some digging.

[EMBoy]

Hi Sparklingsunshine,

Thanks for the insight. I stopped using a steroid inhaler many years ago as it was affecting my eyesight, but now use a long acting bronchodilator (Formoterol) as well as the usual Ventolin.

I suffered terribly with acid reflux before I was diagnosed with Hashi's, but it improved a lot once I started on Levo. However, I still get it from time to time and didn't know it could be due to my inhalers. I'll have to look into it.

Thanks again for the info.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to EMBoy]

My inhaler contained Formoterol as well, only been on it since December, prior to that I was on Fostair. I thought my acid issues were down to other issues but I've been hypo, diagnosed, for 4 years and nothing else has changed. I've only noticed the acid this year.

I found an unopened Fostair inhaler yesterday and will go back to using that. I've emailed my GP asking for a change of prescription as my asthma has been worse since using Fobumix.